'Diseases in bats have been around for a long time and historically have not been a problem. Now, there is cause for concern,' expert says Bats have been attacking humans in increasing numbers because their natural habitats are being destroyed through deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, scientists have found. In the last three months alone, vampire bats have bitten over 40 residents in the country’s north-eastern region, one of whom has died. The wave of night-time attacks has caused blood-soaked beds and inflicted deep wounds on victims, many of whom are being treated for possible rabies exposure.

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